(Goffstown, NH) The New Hampshire State Prison for Women relies on volunteer support to provide programs to incarcerated females. Nearly 100 men and women from around New Hampshire volunteer at the Goffstown facility annually to offer programs from parenting skills to personal development.

"Volunteers are an invaluable resource for the women's prison because they provide much needed services at no cost to the taxpayers," Warden Richard M. Gerry stated.

"The services provided by our volunteers are very much appreciated by offenders and staff," Warden Gerry added.

The following volunteer-run programs are offered to female offenders.

Cognitive Problem Solving

Relapse Group (for substance abuse)

Substance Abuse Treatment including AA/NA groups

1 to 1 counseling

Life skills

Domestic Violence Group

Self-esteem group

Women's issues group

Alternative to violence seminars

Religious programming/services

Art instruction

Choir direction

Feelings/communication group

Career development

Approximately 80 hours of volunteer services are provided weekly, which is the equiva-lent of two full time positions. There are also frequent donations of books and hobbycraft supplies.